The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) Marathon, a highly anticipated national-level event, has officially opened registrations for its 12th edition. The marathon, scheduled to take place on December 8, 2024, is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the country. This announcement was made during a press conference in Mumbai, where key event details, including new partnerships, were also shared.
Marathon Launch and Partners Announcement
The Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Mr. Anilkumar Pawar (IAS), made the formal announcement about the marathon’s registration during the press conference. He was accompanied by Additional Municipal Commissioner, Mr. Sanjay Herawade, and Mr. Prakash Vanmali, Head Coordinator of the Marathon Organising Committee. Representatives from the event’s sponsors and partners also attended the event, making it a significant occasion for both the city and the running community.
In addition to announcing the start of registrations, Mr. Pawar also revealed two new partners who have joined hands with the marathon to support its participants. Fast&Up, a well-known brand in the health and nutrition industry, will be the energy partner for the marathon. Fast&Up is a leader in providing hydration and energy-boosting products, and its role will be to offer participants a range of nutrition solutions to help them perform their best before, during, and after the marathon. The brand, which celebrates nine years of pioneering the nutrition revolution in India, is excited to bring its products to the marathon.
The second key partner announced was Prakriti Hospital, which will serve as the official medical partner. Prakriti Hospital, in collaboration with the medical staff from the Corporation and various Medical Associations, will ensure the safety and well-being of all marathon participants. With the hospital’s reputation for providing top-notch healthcare services, participants can rest assured that any medical needs during the event will be met promptly and efficiently.
Event Promotion and Venue
In addition to the newly announced partners, the event will continue its partnership with Viva College, which will once again serve as the venue partner. Art Media will handle all outdoor media for the marathon, ensuring the event is well-promoted and reaches a wide audience.
The VVMC Marathon has grown in both scale and reputation over the years, and the addition of these partners further solidifies the event’s standing as one of the premier marathons in India. The collaboration between the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation, Vasai Taluka Kala Krida Vikas Mandal, and Aryanz Sports PR & Events, which is promoting the marathon, ensures a well-organized and successful event.
Registration Details and Participation Perks
Those interested in participating in the marathon can register online through the official event website, www.vvmm.in. The registration fees for various race categories are as follows: INR 850 (plus taxes and convenience charges) for the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K run, and INR 800 (plus taxes and convenience charges) for the 5K run. While the registration fee is a small cost, participants will receive numerous perks in return.
Registered runners will receive a branded t-shirt, a timing bib, a 3D medal upon completion, breakfast, water and energy drinks during the event, a free photograph, and a timing certificate. These perks make the registration fee a great value, providing participants with all the essentials for a successful race day. The marathon organizers are committed to ensuring that all participants have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
New Age Categories Introduced
One of the exciting announcements made by Commissioner Mr. Pawar was the introduction of new age categories for older participants, aimed at encouraging seniors to stay active and healthy through running. The full marathon for women will now include a category for those aged 55 and above, while the 10K and 5K races will introduce categories for men and women aged 60 and older. These new categories are designed to promote fitness among older individuals and encourage them to participate in the event, regardless of age.
Return of the Battle Run for Running Clubs
The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Marathon is unique in that it includes an event specifically for running clubs, known as the Battle Run. This year, the Battle Run will make a comeback, offering running clubs the chance to compete for substantial prize money. It is the only race in India that is exclusively for running clubs, making it a special event within the marathon.
Clubs participating in the Battle Run can enter teams of four runners, one of whom must be a woman, with only one member allowed to be under the age of 25. The event is open to amateur runners, with eligibility based on specific time qualifications—men with timings slower than 1 hour and 35 minutes, and women with timings slower than 1 hour and 45 minutes. The winning teams will be determined based on the cumulative finishing time of all four members, with the top five clubs receiving prize money.
The prize distribution for the top clubs is as follows:
- 1st place: INR 90,000
- 2nd place: INR 70,000
- 3rd place: INR 60,000
- 4th place: INR 45,000
- 5th place: INR 35,000
In total, INR 3 lakhs will be distributed among the top-performing running clubs, making the Battle Run a highly competitive and rewarding event for clubs across India.
Social Cause and Event Purpose
For the 12th consecutive year, the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Marathon will promote the message: “Avoid Female Foeticide, Maintain Nature’s Balance”. This important social cause has been at the heart of the marathon since its inception, using the platform to raise awareness about gender equality and the importance of preserving the natural balance in society.
The event also aims to help athletes enhance both their physical and mental health. By participating in the marathon, runners can develop the stamina, discipline, and focus necessary to compete at higher levels. The marathon serves as a training ground for athletes aspiring to compete at state, national, and international levels, offering them a chance to test their abilities and improve their performance.
As the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Marathon gears up for its 12th edition, participants, partners, and the local community are eagerly anticipating another successful event. With online registrations now open, runners of all ages and skill levels are invited to join in, whether to compete for personal bests, support social causes, or simply enjoy a day of fitness and camaraderie.
